title: [Infection epidemiology in gerontology centres].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infection processes in gerontology centres (GC) are one of the main causes of mortality and aggravation of concomitant chronic diseases. An epidemiological surveillance system was set up to find out their magnitude and distribution.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prevalence study was conducted during the years 2006-2009 in 4 GCs of the Matia Foundation. Prevalence was measured by making an annual cut-off, recording: infection type, demographic data, risk factors and antibiotic use. The incidence was measured for two years in one GC as a pilot centre, recording: infection type and antibiotic use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence in the GCs varied between 4.8% and 6.44%. The infection incidence density in the pilot study was between 3.45-5.77 infections per 1,000 resident days. The most common infection location and in this order were, respiratory, urinary and cutaneous. The incidence of respiratory infection is more statistically significant in the presence of dysphagia, malnutrition and COPD. However, no significant relationship was seen in the incidence of urinary infection with the different risk factors analysed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The frequency and repercussions of nosocomial infections in GCs demonstrate the need for intervention plans and the development of adequate prevention measures.
authors.affiliation: Fundación Matia, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, España. ibeobide@matiaf.net
authors.forename: Idoia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Beobide Telleria
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alaba Trueba
authors.forename: M Isabel
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Genua Goena
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arriola Manchola
authors.forename: Izaskun
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Iturrioz Arrechea
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alvarez De Arcaya Vitoria
authors.forename: Blanca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Miró Isasi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors